Paneer tikka masala is a popular Indian dish – a vegetarian version of chicken tikka masala.
The paneer is marinated in spices, then grilled + added to a delicious, spicy tomato curry/gravy. And, don’t worry, there is plenty of this deliciousness to be mopped up with rice or flat bread.
I like to cook my curry (masala) ahead of time so the flavours well + true mingle … then grill and add the marinated paneer, just before I’m ready to serve.
This is my take, it is certainly not traditional with the use of coconut yoghurt/coconut cream instead of cow’s milk varieties … plus, the addition of broccolini + micro herbs … but, I do love me some greens in my meals.
If you don’t have access to micro herbs (don’t stress – they’re not crucial to the dish … I just have them growing at home + love the freshness they add to the rich gravy). You could also add spinach if you don’t have/like broccolini).
Also, adjust the heat with the chilli/ and or flakes. Don’t add if you are sensitive to spiciness! Dial it up if you love it HOT.
Paneer
200g paneer
1 tsp ground coriander
½ tsp garam masala
½ tsp paprika
chilli flakes (to taste)
pinch sea salt
2 tbsp coconut yogurt
Curry (masala)
1 tbsp ghee
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 large brown onion finely chopped
3 garlic finely chopped
1 tsp ginger finely chopped
400g organic tomatoes
1/2 cup water
1/2 tbsp curry powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
pinch black pepper
1/2 tsp coconut sugar
200ml coconut cream
bunch fresh coriander leaves
broccolini cut into small but sized portions
fresh micro herbs
fresh chopped chilli
Paneer
Cut the paneer into 1cm cubes + add to a small mixing bowl. Add the ground coriander, garam masala, paprika, chilli flakes + sea salt.
Add the yogurt and mix until all the paneer pieces are well coated.
Cover + pop in the fridge until needed (when the curry sauce is ready).
Curry (masala)
Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a heavy based pan. Once hot, add cumin seeds. When the seeds begin to pop, add onions, garlic + ginger. Fry until onions are translucent.
Add the tomatoes, water, curry powder, turmeric, black pepper + sugar. Stir.
Cook on a low heat for around 15 mins.
Once the mixture is cooked, turn off the heat + allow it to cool a little. Pour the mixture into a blender + puree.
Pour the pureed masala back into the pan. Add coconut cream + some coriander leaves. Stir well.
Add the broccolini pieces.
Cover and cook for 10 minutes on a low heat.
Whilst the curry is cooking, place the marinated paneer pieces under the grill on a medium temperature, flip – once each side is slightly browned.
Add the grilled paneer to the curry + let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
Switch off the heat. Serve immediately with fluffy rice + garnish with additional coriander leaves, micro herbs + fresh chilli.
Definitely have naan/flat bread on the side too!
All my love,
Kristy x
